‘Lord of the Dance’

Just in time for St. Patrick’s Day, Michael Flatley’s famed Irish dance show “Lord of the Dance” is returning to the area. The show, which is the world’s highest grossing Irish dance show, has been running for 16 years and features a masterfully orchestrated combination of precision dancing, state-of-the-art lighting and pyrotechnics. Based on Irish folklore, the show is a classic tale of “Good vs. Evil,” expressed through dance.

When: 8 p.m. Saturday

Where: North Charleston Performing Arts Center, 5001 Coliseum Drive

Price: $39-$57

more info: www.northcharlestoncoliseumpac.com or www.lordofthedance.com

Charleston Trials

Break out the big hats! It’s time for the inaugural Charleston Trials. Sanctioned by the National Steeplechase Association, these steeplechase and flat races bring spring horse racing back to the Lowcountry for the first time since 1986. And as tradition goes, tailgating is in order at this family-friendly event.

When: Sunday; gates open at 9 a.m. with the paddock call at noon

Where: The Plantation at Stono Ferry, Hollywood

Price: $25-$2,500

more info: 766-6202 or www.charlestontrials.net

Needtobreathe Classic

Participants in the Needtobreathe Classic Golf Tournament, hosted by Commonwealth Cares Foundation, will have the chance to pair with celebrity guests from the NFL, MLB and music industry in a round of golf on the Daniel Island Ralston Creek and Beresford courses. For VIPs, the golf tournament will be followed by an evening with Needtobreathe and friends, including performances from members of Collective Soul, John Mark McMillan and others. The event benefits Palmetto Medical Initiative.

When: Tuesday; registration opens at 9 a.m. with a shotgun start at 11 a.m.

Where: Daniel Island Club, 600 Island Park Drive

Price: $300 for individual player registration, $1,200 for a team of four

more info: 884-4545 or www.commonwealthcares.org/commonwealth-cares-classic

Designer Showhouse Preview Party

The Charleston Symphony Orchestra League will kick off its 36th annual Designer Showhouse with a preview party. This black-tie optional event (flat-heeled shoes are requested) will include a ribbon cutting by Charleston Mayor Joe Riley followed by tours of the house, refreshments and live music provided by Charleston Symphony Orchestra members. The house will be open to the public March 21-April 21, excluding Easter. The home presents creative solutions for smaller spaces, an exclusive boutique and designer sales. The showhouse acts as a fundraiser for the CSO and student scholarships.

When: 6-9 p.m. Wednesday

Where: 4 S. Adgers Wharf

Price: $65 includes unlimited access to the showhouse throughout the monthlong event; showhouse tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door.

more info: 768-3511, gwengilmore@bellsouth.net, 723-0020 or www.csolinc.org

Sweet Grass Music Festival

This inaugural event will kick off with a 5K and then transition to an all-day concert event. The family-friendly festival will feature performances by bluegrass groups Common Ground, Nothin’ Fancy, Sierra Hull, Balsam Range, IIIrd Tyme Out, and Rhonda Vincent and the Rage. The event will be held rain or shine. Bring chairs but leave coolers and pets behind. All proceeds will go to charity.

When: 7:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday

Where: Patriots Point, Mount Pleasant

Price: $25 in advance, $30 at the gate; children under 12 get in for free

more info: www.sweetgrassmusicfestival.com

Pet Helpers Oyster Roast

This event benefiting Pet Helpers is about having a good time for a good cause. The event will feature all-you-can-eat local oysters and music by The Rusty Hook Ramblers and Eddie Bush. The event is pet-friendly, so bring your four-legged fur baby.

When: 7 p.m. March 16

Where: Charleston Visitor Center Bus Shed, 375 Meeting St.

Price: $35 for adults, $20 for students, $15 for children 12 and under

more info: 795-1110 www.shuckyourpawsoff.com

Edisto Eats Food Fest

Edisto marks the shift in season with a festival designed to showcase the coastal island. The event will feature the Arts and Crafts Fair at 11 a.m., live music starting at noon, the third annual Chefs Competition at 2 p.m. and a community oyster roast at 4:30 p.m. Held in conjunction with the festival is the second annual Edisto Beach Road Race, which begins at 8:30 a.m. For registration information, go to www.edistochamber.com.

When: 11 a.m. Saturday

Where: McConkey’s Jungle Shack, Edisto St.

Price: Free

more info: 869-0097 or edistoeats.org

Folly Beach Pub Crawl

The Folly Beach Business Association and 10 restaurants and bars on Folly Beach are taking advantage of the nicer weather on tap with a pub crawl. Participants can choose where they want to start from the list of participating venues: Loggerhead’s Beach Grill, Woody’s Pizza, Folly Brew Pub, Drop in Bar and Deli, Planet Follywood, Folly Beach Crab Shack, The Grill on the Edge, Surfbar, Blu Restaurant and Rita’s Seaside Grille. Prizes will be awarded at the end of the crawl. Proceeds from the event will benefit three Folly Beach charities: Surfrider Foundation, Save the Light and Folly Angels.

When: Noon-5 p.m. Saturday

Where: Numerous locations on Folly Beach

more info: VisitFolly.com